From Mortgage to Freedom: Nomad Living in a Truck Shell | Super Cheap $60 Truck Camper Build 

This man’s story sounds almost the same as mine. I had a heart attack at 63 and could no longer work. I lost my house and property when I didn’t have any income. I found an old travel trailer to live in until I could start collecting social security. I have never been happier. No mortgage, no taxes.

True minimalist: I still find stuff I want to get rid of.

He is so right about not having debt. It is absolutely freeing to not owe folks.

God Bless this man. I'm doing the same thing. I'm now renovating an RV myself. Lost my husband in Feb of this year. We were both planning on selling property and living in rv on the road. Now it's just me. I'm in the process of selling everything... donating or giving away. My rv is looking gorgeous inside. I'm doing it all myself with tiny help with the sink and counters. I'll be 68 next month. (WA state).

I love Dan’s faith! He’s so humble and so gentle!

I'm so happy for everyone who pushes past fear and dives into Nomad life, especially solo. It might be a different kind of fear for men and women. For us women, it is often about safety but for men it might be more about being alone with their emotions, spirituality, and perhaps for the first time "self-care" for themselves, men often have to hold emotions in and it is beautiful to see men get out there and be filled with gratitude and embrace the emotion to be free and surrounded by beauty. Blessings to you all!

very humble man, all the best with your healing recovery .. He kept saying “ I’m free”… yes indeed.. no light gas mortgage … free!!!! A relief I’m always finding things I want to get rid off .. I can so relate to how in our society you associate your worth with a job and don’t even realize it .. so condition …

Simplicity... Debt free (dom)... Limitless backyards... Limitless family and friend's... Happiness! 😊❤👏👍

I finally took the plunge and got on the road in early May of this year (2023) to escape the Florida heat. I worked on my van for 4 months, getting it ready to live and work remotely from. This has been one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. I will return to my bricks and mortar house in 3 months and decide whether to rent it out or sell it. It took about a week to adjust to life on the road. I also work so had to fit that all in. One thing I will caution people about.....this kind of life is for a person who is absolutely comfortable being alone. If you can't be alone without sinking into depression or anxiety, don't do this, or do it with another person. I'm a person who has always been comfortable being alone, so it isn't an issue for me. But I think about the people I know and I KNOW they could never do this comfortably. Cheers Bob and thank you for all your great videos! I used your recommendation for my refrigerator and it works like a gem :)

Wish you a full recovery, Dan. Four months ago (on 3/16) I was a passenger in a commercial vehicle rollover. Broke 7 ribs & had multiple pelvic fractures. Worker’s comp was difficult, to say the least. Back on light duty at work. Still in pain, but I’m walking. 👍🏻 Thirty years ago I sold everything, bought an old RV & traveled 2.5 years. Having no debt was the best part. Freedom!!! 🇺🇸

I looked up USA campers and it really wasn't that easy to find but I finally did find it. I have ordered my camper and now I have to drive all the way across country to get it which is from West Virginia all the way over to California but that particular camper would be ideal for me I'm a lot smaller than that young man and just like him I don't need a lot anymore so hopefully it won't be long till I'll be on the road, the Lord willing and the creek don't rise. Thank you so much for this video I keep watching it over and over because I'll be living in one soon. Happy trails to all and hopefully I'll be seeing "you" soon. PS it was in Montclair California

Everything he articulated fits me to the T! I too have a chronic illness and got my worth and value from my job. I bought an older motorhome and moved into it back in April of this year. I took my retirement at 63 and have absolutely no debt other than living expenses and repairs and maintenance which I have learned comes with owning an older motorhome. Lesson learned! Buying an older RV can be a expensive undertaking if things break but it doesn't discourage me. My spiritual walk and awareness with My Lord and Saviour Yahusha/Jesus has become my main focus now that I have no worldly bondage. Freedom from debt allows more freedom from the traps of materialism. I highly recommend this lifestyle for anyone that wants to avoid the bondage of the American Dream/ Nightmare. 💯🙏❤️

The more I see these tall shells the more I like them. It’s great to hear that they will build them tall enough to stand up in. Thanks for sharing!

A man who has found happiness and peace. Beautiful.

I love Dan's minimalist camper. It has everything he needs and no more. It looks serene. Thank you for allowing us to see it.

God bless this man! So humble and so positive even when injured. He's was so courageous to say he prayed to God for help and Bob was so respectful of him. This gentleman has a bright future ahead of him!💗

I bought a USA camper shell because of this video. I picked it up today! Long story short, the guys at USA are fantastic. Every last thing went as good as I could have hoped for. I could not recommend them more! If you are looking for a cost effective, we'll built alternative to the big $$$ campers out there, do not hesitate to trust these guys, they are just fantastic.

I recently bought a slightly used 2020 Northern Lite camper for my 8' bed F 450 pick-up. It's nice- luxury really. But it was 60 grand, and 4500 lbs. dry. I'm looking at Dan with his lower-budget set up, and I am now realizing that this is all I need. Lighter, cheaper, and does what's necessary. I can lose the dually, and tour in a comfier, cheaper F 150. With better fuel mileage! Thanks, Dan!

What ever the obstacles, gratitude helps. This man has the right attitude.

Perfect example of simplicity and low cost, BRAVO Dan.

Oh but the rods-n-reels under the bed just makes it perfect, doesn't it? You now have true freedom. My dad and I argue over the definition...he calls it "a total lack of responsibility " and I call it freedom. Both are correct I suppose. Thanks Bob. This is a good one. 🇺🇸❤

What a great man of truth and integrity, humility, and faithful celebratory joyful citizen. What a brave man to over come so much…. and re-inventing his life strategy to fit him so well after all his troubles. My sense is he IS BACK! And has figured out not just a new strategy BUT A WINNNING, HEALING, Winning, reducing stress. Great plans on how to improve it.

I love how the whole back end opens up! The one good thing about getting older is that we start shrinking, so we need less height in our campers!

Simple living is good living. Freedom is everything

I love how he talks about the freedom, and never wanting to go back into debt. Good job with a simple build. It shows you can be happy and comfortable.

So much truth to not being in debt that’s where the freedom comes in! Thanks Dan and Bob😊

Tip: If the standard 5-gallon bucket is too short, just set it inside another bucket of the same brand and size. For instance, the familiar orange "Homer" from Home Depot adds 3" -- perfect for me.

I really like how the whole back raises up. Makes for a great canopy.

What a super engaging guy. Guy is so bright. Amazing to see how little is needed to get by and yet have so much solace. Thanks for posting.

Very nice minimalist camper, great to be able to stand, otherwise you create more pain. I am inspired to clean up my rig and be more selective about what stays. Happy travels

My first camper was an insulated truck bed shell (about 6" taller than the cab) already on a '72 3/4 ton that I ended up keeping for 38 years! So I can relate!

That is a great set up for a minimalist and you are always following the best weather.

Good luck in your healing journey. 🌠

I've been living in vehicles for over 7 years So peaceful. No drug addicts No thieves No debt to owe. Most people I know are in debt for ever.

I was a truck driver 19 years and 12 years of that as an owner operator who lived in my sleeper more than I was at home, so I totally get it 😊

I think you hit it out of the park again , Bob , and what a nice fella he is ! Just goes to show you that you can find happiness living the minimalist lifestyle .

Keepin' it simple! Cheap, less to go wrong, only what's needed. I like it! I was watching a video yesterday about expenses incurred on a big 5th wheel and truck to pull it, and thought: Even if I HAD the money, I wouldn't want to set it on fire. 😆 Oddly, the man was not crying.

Dan, your rig and way of life and no debt is much to be proud of. Good fortune to you and may you continue to heal.

Simple, lightweight and functional!! Love that you can fit in a regular parking space 💜 Hope you continue to heal sir and God bless you 🙏

It’s called USA camper shell in Montclair CA. took a while to find but found it.

he made a beautiful healthy life from a situation that seamed hopeless

You're free! We need so little to live happily. This is a life of freedom. This is fabulous.

I am enjoying living out of my SUV part-time. I love being out in nature as well as visiting different cities.

Im 60, still working, my house is paid off and I dont have any bills, as I watch these videos, I always wonder what do these people do everyday, all day? I think it would be fun for a while, But I would go nuts not having anything to do. Going to work everyday gives me a sense of purpose, and the money I put away gives me a sense of security. When you dont have any bills, and you work, the money really piles up, and life is no longer stressful or a struggle, its actually enjoyable.

I've considered this lifestyle for a while. Fear has stopped me. I live near the east coast and all of my family is here. I see very few fulltime on this side of the country. Is there anyone out there from the east? I live in VA. My escrow just went up $150 a month. Everything has gotten higher and i live alone. This is encouraging! Thank you

Dan is an inspiration to others.

Reminds me of my old rig I stayed in while working 20-hour days. Blessings to Dan for sharing his home with us, and much thanx to Bob for all the dedication to helping us folks with rethinking Life.

He seems like such a nice down to earth simple happy guy! Many blessings to you, sir!

Hey Bob thanks for doing another pick up truck with a bolt on shell 🙂 And prayers for healing & recovery, Amen. This is a great lightweight system and one could also do a 6x10 x 7h cargo trailer.

He seems like such a wonderful gentle soul. What a wonderful attitude he has ❤🥰

I've get a similar setup. Adding a propane fully vented Propex heater improved my quality of life 1000%. I can camp comfortably into the low teens. And its thermostat controlled so set at maybe 50° when I sleep and I'm comfy all night.

I love these high top camper shells. Lightweight and practical. These rigs can get into much more remote country, over a full sized camper. THIS is how I will be going nomad! Congratulations Dan on a great rig!

Honestly it looks very cozy and i love the use of the tablet for entertainment. They are really getting to the point where they can replace tvs and computers and dont take very much to power them

Thank you for sharing such personal space with us. Be safe and enjoy your time wherever you are.

Perfect sized RV! Not too big, not too 🦐 small! The thing's beautiful ❤️!

It was nice to meet another Belair camper shell owner .I wish I would have went to u.s.a. camper instead of the Bel-Air down in Southern California. I probably would have saved myself some money, but I really like my camper shell. I was able to fix it up exactly the way I wanted it, and I got a fantastic fan put in the top, which I really like. But I really like his setup which is solar he looks like he has got plenty of that. Thanks again Bob for introducing us to Dan.

Hello from Puerto Rico to everybody , looks great that F-150 , thanks Bob for the interview

Dan, great job on your rebuild and DIY builds. I left a beautiful home in Virginia after downsizing to rid myself of all the expenses of owning a home. I bought a GMC Savana cargo van and converted the interior to fit my lifestyle and my needs

"I found my identity in work". Whew. What freedom and power in Truth.

It will be years before I can get a truck and camper, but after much thought I have come to the conclusion that for my wife and I a truck with camper on it makes the most sense. God bless you Dan.

Right on!! I'm really happy this guy found what makes him happy and he can just live his life. I love how the camper can be lifted or a door used.

Good for him living the lifestyle he loves

Thank you, Bob, for providing information on different available lifestyles for living on the road. Good luck to Dan on his continued recovery on the road.

being debt free is so worth it, make it your goal and go for it

So happy to see he was able to find a way to make it in difficult circumstances.

Thank you for sharing your story Dan. I'm so glad that you found peace and freedom on the road. I hope you continue to heal with time.

I am in the process of embarking on my own nomadic life. I currently own timber properties in CA and in WA. I own a sawmill, heavy equipment and a 48' X 36' shop filled with a lifetime of tools. I've spent all of my adult life being a steward to forest lands reducing fuel loads, removing understory, and protecting the largest, oldest trees while reestablishing diversity and balance to the forest. I'm satisfied with the work that I have done. Even though I am still in great shape for my age, I know that I cannot continue this lifestyle forever. I want to get out and roam with no agenda or destination. I bought a trailer designed for off road and ordered it built completely empty inside, so I can do the buildout myself. I also bought an adventure style motorcycle to extend my travels beyond the roads. I plan to be nomadic for ten years or so keeping my eye out for the place I will eventually call my last place. Perhaps a tiny house close to the sea but also close to a town, which will be different, as I've always lived way out in the woods, on the edge of the wilderness with no neighbors except the deer, bear, squirrels and such. My question for those retirees who sell everything to gain physical and financial freedom is what are your plans when you are too old to drive? What do you envision as your last place, and how will you afford it? I am financially secure enough, that I know I will be able to afford to switch back and settle back down, but I also know that not everyone out there living the nomadic lifestyle will be able to afford that switch. This is a question that keeps popping up for me, as I watch videos of those who have journeyed out ahead of me.

Way to go … God bless this Nice man. And yes, there has to be a window

The serenity of this man

Perfect. I'd just add 1 thing. A dog.❤

Definitely dig his rig. Enjoy your peace and freedom 🙏

One advantage of using a camper shell over a built out truck camper is the interior space is less limited.

Just checked Goggle, It's in Montclair, CA

Soooo ready to join this life style! A camper shell is definitely one of our top options! Thank you Dan & Bob!

Nice to see his joy when he talks about being free & the freedom this lifestyle brings him 👍🏻

Simple but practical amazing example that you can not survive but tribe

Love this build. Want a truck camper but don’t like sleeping in the cabover space…great alternative idea. Thanks for the reference for the shell producer.

A sky light and fan on the roof would make it more comfy. And yes, windows on the side would complete your look.

I'm fixing to do that here again very soon , fixing to buy a 93 Ford f150 extra cab pickup in good condition, I'm up in the air between a camping trailer or a topper on it may just go with the topper on it I have more freedom to get out in the back I'm so looking forward to going back to this lifestyle just pure freedom and less stress

Very inspiring! I always appreciate the simple, minimalist rigs. My goal is to be on the road and start my nomadic life journey by this fall/winter.

Dan, good on you for finding the source for Belair. I’m on year four in mine. I’m sure that USA built mine and I will have to reach out to them to replace my rear door. I love the simplicity of what you’ve done. Incredibly well done.

TELL HIM to put his carbon monoxide detector 10-18 inches from the floor. 13:48

Love the build, love David attitude and faith. Great video!

Wow I love the clean uncluttered look. Tons of space. It's like a real living room or bedroom in a house. Awesome!

Can hear your peace. Love how blessed you are feeling without a need for stuff. Amazing.

What a great guy I wish him the best. I’ll keep him in my prayers

All the best yo you Dan! Doing it like it can be done. Stay well. Bob, you continue to show the quality and caliber of the nomads in the desert! What a great guy! Thank you both.

A real sense of freedom, Bob mentioned some time ago that van life can heal you, Bob you were bang on the money

Simple, practical and comfortable. Thanks for sharing :)

I like this build. It is cozy. No need to have lots of stuff that is not used.

I really like this guy. He's humble, he's not greedy about what he needs to live out of his rig. He's much more on the level of how I live out of my five by eight cargo trailer One doesn't have to do a lot of expensive fancy things to be comfortable and content.

Thank you so much for mentioning that the 7 1/2 gal bucket is taller! I probably would have never thought of that and a 5 gal bucket is just not high enough with my arthritis. I was going to have to figure out some way of anchoring a handle securely so I could pull up with it and there aren't many ways to securely install one of those in a camper.

That’s so awesome that he can live on so little. So sorry that you never had full healing from your pelvic injury .

Bob your interviews and life give people hope! Thanks for your work!

What a nice person. Bob too. Good for you Dan!

Mortgage Freedom. Sounds like a Hollywood actor's name. Old Mort. He's the best.

I can identify with the work and identity issue. Had to let it go too. We’re more than our professions 😊💚Happy Trails. Blessings to you both

Very nice build. Simple and has all you need. Best of luck to Dan and his exciting journey ❤🙏🏻❤

Good for this guy and he will only be better being free of so many things

USA Camper Shell in Montclair, California. Thanks Bob for all you do. Hope to meet you one day at a meet-and-greet in Quartzsite, Arizona.