@@lifeoflucretia same here... It's just so much to think about, plan and then the decision to buy a camper van or pop up to tow....really not fun to make these decisions
#1 New nomad realization , you’re not on vacation . #2 Eat at home whenever possible. Save your $ for that special meal. #3 You can spend a fortune to enable boon-docking for “free” #Don’t travel on the weekend or over a holiday. 😎 Expectations are the author of discontent! Don’t expect anything, you will never be disappointed. Great insight as usual! Thanks Robin
$$ free is not the important part of boondocking for most, it is the freedom of not having to be tied to utilities and being able to stay in many more places and especially places with far greater solitude. The fact it often doesn't cost any additional money for those nights is just a bonus. I would pay far more for a great solar system than what I might pay to stay in campgrounds with full hookups to not have to be 15 feet away from my neighbor.
You are so right about #3. Yes it would be nice to say free camping is a bonus but far more people can;t say that. So many people ask the question of "How much does it cost?" so that tells me more are on a low budget than worry free about money.
There will be plenty of boredom in this life. Most of us are not running from National Park to National Park all of the time. Sometimes I spend long moments in places that frankly are quite boring. It’s called life, and life is not one constant excitement.
At 79 I’m going to be a Rookie! Getting this life together so I can start Rooking in December. I have and will depend on your information, honestly, enthusiasm and spirit to make it happen. Thanks
Karen Moore I am 69 and dragging my feet 30$ for a cargo van, then outfit with isolator, battery, fan and frig $$$$ have it put in $ , then insulate$ -a lot to think on . Then I often wonder if I am too old ;you just inspired me -let’s do it by the time I am 70!!
Karen Moore I’m weeks away from 73 and will be turning 74 when I go full time. I love hearing from contemporaries, like you. So much inspiration. All the best.
Driving down the highway with cars waving and pointing. We thot they were being friendly but really trying to tell us our back bin was open and our lawn chairs were falling out. Great rookie move!
Rebecca Nordlander Yes! If you're in an RV or towing a trailer of any kind and other drivers are gesticulating at you, PULL OVER to check things out. Your rig is awesome, but chances are, other drivers are trying to alert you to something.
Exactly! Pull over. Only exception... last week I was helping a friend move about 1000 miles away. When another friend driving the Uhaul passed us the big back door was half way up! I could see boxes. Quickly called her told her to pull over. There we were along side the interstate traffic whizzing by. The door was NOT up. It was painted to LOOK like the inside of a Uhaul! Not nice of Uhaul to do that!
18 mos on the road and boy do we have a list of rookie moves! Veggies have a very short life span even in the fridge. I threw away more packages of mushrooms than I care to admit. Now, I cook them and freeze them as soon as I get home. If you have a pet, be sure to have another set of bedding - week one and the dog vomited on the bed. No extra sheets, no extra mattress cover. No quarters! Now we carry extra bedding and always have at least $100 in quarters. Be sure you have at least 2 of every fuse your rig uses. We left the gray tank open and got sewer flies. SO fun to get rid of those disgusting things. Do NOT ever use paper towel to temporarily cover a pan on the stove. I have so many more! Lol
Judy W it disintegrated into the pan of cooking mushrooms. No harm but I knew it could have been catastrophic. I was thanking God, you better believe it. 😳
People don't understand that there is a difference in Roaming/wandering and Running away. There is a huge difference in camping and traveling.. I have always loved to Roam and wander and I love traveling. I am not running away from anything and I don't like camping. To many bugs, to many people. To much of it all. I just like to pull over open the doors and enjoy the view.. Everyone is differenct. Yes I do work and I do take care of myself.
RU-vidSurfer yes! Too many people. Many of us love the sounds of nature. So MANY times someone pulls up next to you and blares their music or television! And now they have trailers where you can hook you flat screen tv on the outside of the trailer. It’s one thing in the privacy of your own home. But when everybody else in a one block radius has to listen to what you’re listening to or viewing, it really sucks!
First, it’s ok to run away. Having lived in mega cities or the surrounding suburbs all my life, running away from the chaos, congestion, and people is just fine. Second, My thing is nature and wildlife. Nature for me does not have other humans hiking, congregating, or disrupting it. If I am to spent fort and money to “run away,” then I want to be where I can enjoy myself. I don’t need crowded campsites, congested roads, and the only music I want blaring is coyotes howling, the sound of rain, wind, or birds. The only tv I want is the sight of deer, trees, or rivers moving. To do this life, I have to learn to be very self sufficient. Heck yeah, I want to “run away” - I work and live with people all day long!
..."I was taking pictures of my life instead of living it.." Wow, Robin, that's that phenomenon in a nutshell! I so appreciate your common-sense, in depth, articulate and yet still happy take on things. What a pleasure watching you, thanks so much for all you do.
Our Rookie mistakes included driving off with the Electricity still plugged in, fortunately it did no damage. Rookie mistake two was living like we were on vacation, sleeping late, eating in restaurants taking to many videos and letting mundane jobs like paperwork and laundry pile up. You have to establish new routines and combine the mundane with the leisure time. We love it and have lived in RVs for eighteen years now. Cheryl and Mark
You are amazingly brilliant! I’ve been doing this for three years and I agree with everything you said. This weekend while camping in a National Forest in CO. I was confronted by a group of nasty weekenders from Denver. They had 8 huge dogs and they surrounded me at one point where I couldn’t even get out. Their pack of dogs pooped everywhere and they threw their trash out in the ground. I asked them please to keep their dogs away from my camp and tried to be friendly. And away from my dog which doesn’t like other dogs. They said that’s your problem. I’m 71 now and I know I should have just drove off. They called me crazy and the pack of people where making fun of me laughing and loudly making jokes about me. Well, finally I couldn’t take it anymore from all the disrespectful weekende’s over the last three years and said that’s enough. I turned up my sound bar and subwoofer on 44 max and played over and over the song Bat Out Of Hell by Meatloaf! I hoped they would call the cops and they did. But they said it was a Wellness Check. Hahaha The cops heard my loud music and came by and couldn’t stop laughing! I guess normally an old lady complains about the music in the camp. Then I told them about the dogs scaring me and asked them to talk to them about respect for other campers. I ended up cleaning up all their trash and dog poop. And thank god they left the next day. Don’t mess with this old lady. I’m not crazy I’m just smarter than you jerks. Now I’m a happy camper with plenty of free space! Sometimes it just feels good. But don’t ever do this! It could turn out ugly. Oh and one more thing it’s worse if you have a CA license plates! You start off seeming crazy 😜!
Thank you. Biggest mistake not being able to back up very well. Trucker said use G O A L. get out and look. When in doubt GOAL helping me a great deal. Still not an expert backer. Turtles are not afraid to cross behind me. I’m pretty slow
I clipped one of the concrete posts that protects the gas pumps while driving a giant moving van. Thank goodness I had purchased the damage protection plan. The Flying J gas station was not too happy about the scrape marks on their pretty, painted concrete pillar but HEY, that is what these are there for in the first place.
I've been living in my van for almost 6 mos. though I'm still doing stealth in town & working a regular job. So everything is a rookie move. Whether it's leaving liquid where it comes out if it's container, or locking my keys in the van as I walk from the drivers seat to the side doors. What a drag that was.... I have 2 dogs & a bird and they live it. What's not to love. I'm the most important thing to them & they only have to miss me when I'm actually at work. I either walk them 2-3 times a day, rain or shine, or we stay next to a dog park & they get to hang out 2X a day. I never cleaned house on Saturdays when I had a house but now every Saturday I'm doing almost a complete rearrangement & cleaning of the van. If I haven't used it in 2 wks. it's out of the van. Must not need it that bad. Building a solar system off Will Prowse's channel & book has left A LOT to be desired. I made my first trip out of town to a "caravan" in Pahrump. Luckily BLM desert doesn't have hard structures to cause damage to your vehicle when you back into the brush. The big rock at the campground this last weekend though, did. And the biggest rookie move I've made is realizing that living in a space with my dogs, bird & no one else is the greatest BLESSING I have ever given myself. Even with it raining at least 50% of the days I've lived in the van, you'll have to pry me out of here. I am living in the first home I've ever had in 63 yrs. Thanks for sharing yourself with all of us. Your experience & insight are a BLESSING. I hope to meet you some day as we 'trudge the road to our happy destiny.(from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous)
Another great helpful video! In 11 days I'll be officially a Solo Fulltimer!! Sadly this isnt something I really want to do but life threw me lemons I chose to make lemonade. I have been researching for over two years on fulltime RVing. I can understand where it will be difficult to learn how to actually live life instead of the constant researching. My first Rookie Mistake (and mind you I havent even hit the road yet) was trusting others advice about buying a Class A. Sure it will be a tad easier to adjust living after S&B than say going straight into say a conversion van with 3 cats. But I dont feel comfortable DRIVING it!! I trusted when they said it will get easier. I took the drivers course with flying colors. Driving under 40 mph is somewhat ok but forget anything over that. Granted I haven't had much time to drive it, selling my house has consumed all my time and energy. I also assumed I could tow my suv four down. Nope!! Now I'm stuck with a tow dolly. Super Ugh!! Buying a different vehicle at this time is out of the question. I'm nervous and scared but watching videos such as yours gives me power. I appreciate you sharing the bad along the good. So many video only share the good times. Leaving me feeling as if I'm the only one making mistakes and inadequate. Thank you for always being candid!
Know that you are not alone! I too am doing this more out of necessity than wanting to do it and it's a little freaky. I have been doing it now for 3 weeks. You've got this! 😊
I totally get what you are saying about social media. I found myself frustrated so much trying to stay in touch through all the platforms that I wasn’t enjoying my first few years to the fullness that I could have even through my channel. 😉 I came to realize that I need to take time for me, enjoy my travels for me first then share when I can as I have time. 😉 I have pulled back from also commenting on so many of my favorite channels because at the end of the day all that time was taking me away from enjoying my life so I sprinkle my comments around so my friends know I am there and still love them. Life is so short and we don’t get another chance at it to live it the way we want to if we don’t do it now in the present moment 😄 Happy and safe travels 👍🌺💓😄🚐
Yes, yes, yes! I used to be a photographer and didn’t take a step without my camera. I finally realized a sunset was more beautiful viewed with my eyes and my soul than through a camera lens.
I would NEVER think you are a bum, I would admire you for being physically capable, financially capable, and so talented to do it. Being able to earn a living in your RV, living in your dream, and all the travel, to me, is what life should be. Not paying property taxes, what a great extra benefit. I really hate the way the U.S. is now, with more and of your personal freedoms daily being taken away. Thank you for your videos, I really admire you.
I think those who do RV, whether or part-time or full-time are happier doing it because they love it. Not because they believe a conspiracy theory that "THEY" (who are they?) want to keep you enslaved with material things, homeowners taxes, and more. This blame game is more about a person not taking responsibility for their choices. Easier to blame those politicians, the boss, the whatever. No one makes you do anything. Take responsibility for whatever action you choose. We live in a democracy. Think housing is too high? Move to a cheaper state. about 5 miles from where I live is a beautiful, safe neighborhood and a very nice home is for sale at $88,000. Is that too rich for your blood? More homes in very safe areas go for less. Move to another part of the USA and you will find friendly and safe people who live in safe homes, sticks and bricks, with beautiful weather, for less money.
The truth of it is from those people is: they are secretively jealous that you get to travel and they don't! The caregiver for my mother has given me all hell because we were out traveling into Canada (which she called around the world) and she couldn't get us by phone for a few days. We told her that ahead of time and had others she could call, but it was all my fault. She won't let it rest. It's her jealousy!
Hey Robin! I love your quest to eat healthy in the RV! I eat A LOT of veggies (at least 5 cups a day, my goal is 14 cups) so I have a lot of experience with them. Here's some ideas I have: 1. Root veggies and winter squash (turnip, sweet potato, butternut squash, acorn squash). They can sit on the counter for weeks just fine. To eat them, chop them up and roast in a roasting pan over a fire or in a Dutch oven or the oven. Acorn squash is HEAVENLY. I eat these veggies daily! Also onions have crazy amounts of nutrition and also store at room temp for weeks and weeks. Garlic even more so! 2. Lay on the fat. Most Americans are actually deficient in vitamins we can only get from animal fats. I use lard, beef and bison tallow and duck fat. They store at room temp for months and make veggies taste so good! You want the fats from healthy, pastured animals. I got a 4 pack of all the above mentioned fats for $25 from Epic Provisions website. They've lasted me 3 months of daily use! Duck fat on sweet potato noodles is amazing. 3. Kale. It lasts fine on the counter for a week or 2. I love to saute them on the stove in tallow then pour some balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar. Easy way to get 5 cups of veggies down to 1 cup cooked for maximum nutrition. 4. Fire! Roasted fruit is so good. Chop a sweet apple like Honey Crisp and roast it like a marshmallow over the fire. It's the best part of an apple pie without the gross sugar bloat feeling after haha. Apples last weeksssss on the counter just fine. Soups with veggies in them cooked over a fire is wonderful too. Also just cooking fruit like frozen berries (sweeter than fresh because picked when ripe) on the stove turns them into pie filling warm gumminess. No added sugar or preservatives! 5. Canned fish. Packed with nutrition and Omega 3s. Compact and long term storage safe. 6. Fermentation. Ferment your own pickles, saurkraut, beets etc. Stores at room temp and the fermentation process actually makes them healthier for you via helping your gut health so you digest all your food better (so you absorb more of the nutrition you eat). 7. Herbs and spices. Your garden is amazing. Look up the health benefits of herbs. Parsley is packed with more vitamin c than oranges! Dried herbs are also great sources of nutrition. Just a little PSA, I eat this way because I have a chronic illness in my thyroid. I changed my diet to a specific form of the paleo diet called the autoimmune paleo protocol. It's been fabulous at healing my body more than any of the years of meds. Anybody with a prescription of drugs longer than 2 weeks regimen or any skin issues (major red flag for underlying illnesses as the skin is the body's lowest priority of healing. If the skin is hurting, it's because another organ is eating up extra resources due to an illness) has a chronic illness that would benefit from paleo and autoimmune paleo. If you or anyone else is looking for a new tool to heal an old problem, I encourage you to look into paleo and more specifically autoimmune paleo.
Robin, you never disappoint. You’re no nonsense, no drama, tell it like it is; anyone can be totally confident in what you share. I’ve learned tons from you as I prepare to go full time. You bring so much to our community. Thanks a million!
Hi Robin. I enjoy your channel and all the information you offer. Thank you!! I definitely utilized your videos in my planning process. Watched "Be a Nomad and Change your Life" many times when my nerves were getting the best of me. I hit the road full time on May 1st. I had to laugh about the refrigerator comment because I pulled my lunch meat out to make a sandwich this afternoon and it was frozen. lol. Also, today was supposed to be a moving day, but I was contacted by my employer whom I do digital marketing for and wound up staying put and working all day. What has surprised me most so far is how busy I am. I've had some fun, but in-between I am pretty darn busy. I definitely haven't found my groove and from what you say here, that's going to take some time. A rookie move I have made this month is staying at actual campgrounds way too much and paying those fees. I use the excuse that I'm easing myself int this lifestyle, but that needs to stop or I'll never be able to afford staying on the road. The fact of the matter is, I enjoy the boon docking spots more. They are less crowded and always more beautiful. Maybe I let my nerves get the best of me and I psych myself out about driving into a strange place and maybe not finding a spot. Anyways...know that your videos help and make a difference, so thank you!
I am an INFJ also. We are the most rare type. I love Robin and wish I could be as outgoing as Robin, but I find myself being exhausted very quickly when I am around people. I love people (in theory), but i am becoming even more introverted, now that I'm retired. The longest conversations I have are with my dog! I LOVE IT!!
jjpicker wow! I forgot how rare we INFJ's are! I am living alone now, in Ecuador. My deceased hubby and I camped in every kind of rig possible over 43 years! I'm thinking of going back, so I can see my only child, who is in prison. Now, we talk almost daily....15 min calls, and I've spent the last years....dreaming of when he will be out, and I can share this awesome life with him! Well.....politics have destroyed that dream, and I've lost hope. Going to see him for Christmas visits and calls are what has kept me going...hoping! HOWEVER... I'M GOING ON 73, and I'm not sure I will be alive, by the time he gets free! SO....I'm researching all this RV'ING (I am experienced) and my question is going t o be....how much will it cost to get back into it, and maintain a travelers life style....and how much of his "inheritance" am I going to spend for 4 visits per MONTH (3 HRS EA.). WHEN HE DOES GET FREE....he's going to need a lot of money to get started! I won't get into the deal he was in politics, got set up, and is innocent. That's irrelevant to whether I should make this move back to the States....buy a class B and insurance, etc.! I JUST PUT MY little dog to sleep.....3 years ago, his sister, and 4.5 years my husband died after a long battle with cancer! So....I'm kind of vulnerable here....and hibernating outside the city, in a semi rural area of the Andes mountains.
Even better than Tupperware are Ziploc bags, in Quart, 1 gallon, and 2.5 gallon sizes! They take up no more room than what is inside them. And you can use them multiple times, usually! They're also great for packing a suitcase. So all the cords go in one bag, dirty clothes may go in another bag or two, and each shoe may need to go in its own separate bag depending on how big your feet are! Pens, pencils, and paper all go into another bag, and so on, Etc, etc. I love packing with Ziploc bags for the organization they provide. And then all like things are together, so if you pull out the right bag all electronic cords are in there, all together, in one bag. All pens and pencils and notebooks or little pieces of paper are in another. Easy peasy to find! And they are and remain clean and neat. Rather than just somewhere in a jumbled mess.
Groove on Robin. So glad to see that this video came up for me to watch. After doing this for 20 years one of the biggest rookie moves that I have done and I have seen a lot because I was a campground host for several years is people hitting something with their motorhome. I have hit poles I have hit fire hydrants I have hit things....I don't know what to say. I have seen people coming to the campground and Bam they hit a tree it must have happened like once a day . The thing that is such a rookie move the number one rookie move I think is not getting out of your RV and taking a look at everything that's around you above you Etc. Thanks for a great video I'm glad that your first two years gave you so much knowledge and now you're ready to just Sail On. Happy trails
Ms Robin, RV'ers aren't the only ones run down because of what they are doing. When I drove over the road as a trucker, I was constantly reminded when at home that I was low life and why didn't I get a desent job working like other people did instead of wanting to be out there with all the rif-raft. I am retired now and looking forward to when I can get into an RV and hit the roads of this great nation. I want to see those things I had to pass up when in that 18 wheeler. God be with U in all your travels and thank U for sharing with us, your life.
I was traveling too fast, wore myself out and started having accidents. I have a travel trailer, so I learned my preferred method of travel is to take it slow, find a nice camping spot (I like to boondock) , unhook my trailer and use it as homebase while I go out in my truck to visit places nearby. I stay a week or more in one spot. It works great for me but I had to be out traveling before I could discover what works for me as a solo traveler.
What a great video. I'm glad you stated that you are so happy and that you plan on continuing the life. Sometimes, I think the grief over your sister will get better and you will go back to your old life. Nothing wrong with it, but for someone like me watching you.... I think about being a Nomad constantly because of you. You're a writer. Now that "the man" doesn't own your time, you have time to write. I paint/draw and have no time to paint or draw due to making a living. I'm 54, if it's not happening yet, I'm not sure it ever will and I face that depressing fact daily. So, watching you keeps my spirits up and keeps possibility open. I know you get a lot of negative comments from people judging you or just being a troll... and I'm glad you keep up with sharing your life via your videos in spite of those people. You're brave. I really envy your courage. Please keep doing what you're doing for the rest of us who may one day be free because of your example and your free spirit. And please show us some of your paintings one day?
Yes would love to see ur painting. Wish I had that talent. Also, u mention Doug (ur so lucky to have a guy who supports u, not financially but emotionally, in ur lifestyle) just wondering if we’ll ever get to meet Doug to be able to put a face with the name. Just bought my dream but have to sell my S&B for the truck I need then I’ll be out on the road with u. Ur videos and book are such help to know what things to look forward to or avoid. Love u gal, ur an inspiration to so many of us.
Hi Robin, You are such an inspiration, so authentic and I truly admire you! I currently take care of my elderly parents (ages 92 and 93), such a blessing I still have them...It will be a few years before I get on the road, but thoroughly enjoy and appreciate you and all you share! A BIG THANK YOU and I hope to one day catch up with you in the big out there! 😁🚐🤗
This is probably one of my most favorite videos about full-time RV life. My husband and I hope to be on that path before the end of the year (it depends on how quickly our home sells) and I have a lot of concern that 1) we pick the wrong RV for us (even though we've researched and planned for several years) and 2) that once we get on the road we find out it's way different than we expected (in a negative way). And yet...I know that not doing it is the bigger risk--so thanks for the tips. The way you describe peoples' perceptions sounds just like how it was for me deciding to homeschool a child with special needs almost 20 years ago. It was a fairly new thing then and many people really didn't get it. I learned that it didn't matter. I was doing what was right for us.
I've been researching & planning for a most 2 years. You mentioned picking the correct RV/van/box truck or whatever. That is still my biggest hurdle. Would like to be on the road by Christmas but I'm still up in the air when it comes to vehicles. Depending on the day what my answer is. Today its a box truck. But whatever it is I'm sure adjustments will have to be made after a year or two on the road. Happy travels. 👋
Roaming Free, think about getting a used RV in excellent condition from www.parkwayrvcenter.com. People have bought from him, then changed their minds & traded it in on a different style. As long as it’s still in great condition, this family in business for 51 years will do that. Good luck.
@@roamingfree6968 Same here. I've gone from Roadtrek to trailer to Class c to van. I am now on Roadtrek again because it's self contained but small and seems a good place to start. Nervous as a hen but determined.
A good solution to avoid spillage of coffee or other drinks is to find a "Contigo" thermo cup with autoseal lid (or similar). This keeps my coffee warm for a few hours and when it falls over, nothing comes out because of the mechanism in the lid. There is a lever on top of the handle that opens two drink holes, one for fluid out and the other for air in. When the lever isn't pressed the cup is sealed.
This is a really OLD story, but a lesson I will never forget. I moved outside into a 'tent' like situation, built from materials found in the desert. I moved from the NW to the SW, always having lived in sticks and bricks with parents who believed it was IMPORTANT to stay in one place to raise their six children. Important to our health and well being as children...I appreciate all their sacrifice and thoughtfulness! But...I believe I have always been a nomad in my heart!!! Unlike you Robin, I grew up camping. Not glamping. My parents eventually invested in a trailer, but even then we kids slept outside or in tents much of the time. So, when I began living outdoors I thought I had it made!!! I knew this... and then spent the next few months building fires to make coffee and oatmeal every morning, with wet wood, sparse wood, keep it small and focused and then spill the hot water into the fire just as my water was about to boil... the grate was unsteady, I bumped into something in my small area, I got excited that it was about to happen... that I moved more quickly than was prudent and spilled everything...I LEARNED VERY QUICKLY THAT LIVING OUTSIDE IS NOT THE SAME AS PERPETUALLY CAMPING!
For fulltimers, I would recommend replacing the 3-way/2-way refrigerators with compressor fridges. They're much more efficient at cooling and use much less electricity.
When anchoring your privacy tent, pull the strings way off to the side to prevent tripping at 3 am when exiting half asleep! And yes, it was an injury, too!
Living life rather than photographing -- while living in Paris in 1971, I arrived at the same place as you, "no on can take your photographic memories away from you" as they might with your pictures. The mind's eye is indelible!
Thank you for not being mentally ill! As are Several of the people who are the most popular in the RV, RU-vid video world. Your messages are thoughtful, intelligent, upbeat, warm and encouraging. They are not about tiptoeing through your past psychiatric history, traumas, and related psychiatric / social issues! You are so totally normal and relatable. Oh hell, let's go for it- - - - you are just so totally healthy!!! So just all-around good people, fun, mentally stable, and, appropriate! And for that we thank you!
Pre-conceived notions about rving. I've had people all my life tell me they see me as a 'Bohemian, hippie, flower child, gypsy'. I, for the life of me, can't see why. LOL! Last fall I bought a shuttle bus and now we are in the process of a rebuild. I've almost thought of creating a flower child bus or a gypsy caravan look to it, hahahaha. I might as well be a gypsy. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Been on the road since 2011. Even family and friends didn’t get it at first. My favorite remark whenever I would be home visiting “Don’t you want to come inside and sleep in a real bed?” Tonight I’m out by the front pasture on my cousin’s farm in Kentucky. The bullfrogs are croaking loudly down by the pond. Amish buggies go clip clopping down the old highway in the night and I get to watch the lanterns seem to float along the dark road. The woods behind the barn are filled with lightning bugs. ......No, I don’t want to be anywhere else but here! Thanks again for another great video. My worst rookie move involves the black tank. I’ll spare you the details. Love your channel
Robin as most of your subscribers feel you are easy to admire...your candid and sincere. It need not be a colossal effort, but it certainly would be worth considering if you would have an annual get together. A popular meet and greet. A casual setting to share things in common, and make new friends. It could be a simple weekend event, potluck and camp fire get together. Even have a maximum number so it's manageable. Just a thought 💭 🙂
Star Oceans I like this idea. Feel like I’ve known Robin forever just thru her videos. Think it would be great just to sit by a campfire, a beverage in hand and just visit. I wouldn’t want to barrage her with questions because she spells them out in her vid’s but just as friends shooting the breeze.
On our first trip out, broke my leg and ankle in two places. Came down the steps at night to try and figure out what was wrong with the black tank and landed on a very slippery rug, and my ankle folded under... OUCH.... Hubby wasn't able to drive due to medical issues, so he wrapped up my ankle in an ace bandage and I drove 8 hours home. Ace bandages and Advil work great. Luckily, it was my left foot. So glad we were in a MH! I have heard several others say they also broke their ankle! Now I come down backwards and hold on to the handle! Thanks for the great video. Also enjoyed the comments
been a full time rver now for about a month and a half now, and am loving it.Already planning on beginning the winterization process within the next two weeks. My rig is a 1980 Vandura Glendale Motorhome and I wouldn't trade it for a sticks and bricks home ever.
Robin my big advice in rving is never travel on weekends and get to your campsite at least 3 hours before sundown. Getting into a campsite at nite has a way of trees jumping in back of your rv when a minute ago nothing was there. Great episode, keep your groove moving, Skeet B.
Enjoy your videos. My roomie move was flying out to purchase an RV I saw online. I am a stickler for grey cushions in vehicles. So I asked the dealership if RV cushions were grey or taupe, and they said grey, but when I got there, they were taupe/putty color instead. I didn’t test drive used RV because I knew I wouldn’t buy it because of being too afraid to drive that large of a vehicle (B+).First time I drove it was off the lot. I knew once I paid for it, I would have no choice but to learn to drive it, and it isn’t much harder than my SUV. Drive it home by myself (female who had no RV experience). But when dumping first time, didn’t know u had to remove small cap on macerate head and took me about 10 min to figure out why nothing was coming out. Fortunately no catastrophe occurred. I consider that my biggest roomie move.
Hi Robin! I wouldn't be surprised if there is a significant overlap between people who don't understand telecommuting and those who assume FTers are either trustfund babies or the opposite. Maybe is because both my hubby & I are grey, but many folks assume we are retired, which we aren't. The truth is my husband has been telecommuting for over 20 years -- the only difference is that now we live in a (smaller) space that has wheels that we use to change our backyard! 🤓
I make the Trust Fund Assumption on several of these channels (not this one ) because the "stars" come across as so self-indulgently happy, "self satisfied". I ssk how big their trust fund is and they get confused and say they work. "Really? How can you swing that 'all fun all the time lifestyle without a trust fund?" Ms. Creativity makes good videos in that regard.
My friend cried when I moved into my van because I would be "homeless." Traveling in my home the first months was both exhilarating and frightening at the same time until I found my rhythm and learned it was safer in the forest than in a campground with people drinking to excess around me. Now I purposely stay away from crowds and find it much more enjoyable.
I like the statement... regarding, if only this changes or I get this/ do this I'll be happy (life will be better)..."Wherever you go, there you are!" I am in charge of attitude (including my happiness) and no matter what I surround myself with, where it centers is in me and I shouldn't allow outside perfection (or not) dictate my peace and joy.
I LOVE your take on life, especially what others think - it just does NOT matter. You are my favorite full-timer!! I so look forward to your next video, such a wealth of information!!
As a retired nomad, my rookie move was trying to see too much, and spending too much money on “vacation” experiences my first year out. My style of travel is much more relaxed now.
Robin I just wanted to say that my husband and I really enjoy watching your videos. I just watched one of your earlier ones and I cannot believe how much healthier you look! What a transformation! The lifestyle totally suites you. Way to go woman!
Love your presence. I am a total rookie, and have had a lot of trouble finding boondocking places in WA state. I am not a full timer, but what I found out really fast is that National Parks have a 25' max (I have a 23' Class C) BUT--National Parks do not allow dogs on the trails, only in the campground--so exploring is not possible. AND, National FORESTS allow dogs everywhere (basically) BUT the max length is 21'. I would have made a different decision when I purchased my (older) RV if I'd known that. Biggest fear: BACKING, BACKING and then, BACKING. I'm in test mode now with everything, and am not a full timer (yet?) but I do travel with my dog. I want to thank you for all the information. You have a way of building confidence that has been invaluable to me.
Terry Hi! I have a 26 ft Class C and am in a National Forest and I parked on BLM land and was fine. I’m in Colorado so maybe it’s different there. I understand about the dog issue though because I have an elderly dachshund and the same rules apply here in National Parks. My fear is the same as yours. Backing up! 😊
@@lynne07541 Hi. Yes, I was surprised that WA doesn't have as much. If I pull up OR, there's a long list. I have sound SOME places but they say 21' max, so since I'm afraid to get stuck, and until I master the backing I don't want to risk it. I'll get braver. Thanks for your comment!. I have an Italian Greyhound mix now, but I had a doxie until last September. They are awesome!
@@lynne07541 They are. Ruby--the one in my photo was 16 1/2. I always add the "half" LOL! But dogs, in general, are amazing. I have a pit bull (Mocha) and an Italian greyhound mix (Cricket). I have a sister that lives in Mancos, I'll have to check out CO for RV camping. Been there many times, but not in an RV.
@@maryhartsock7792 omg, thank you for this tip. I just started driving my class C, and wondered if I should "do" anything as I felt them come by me on the left.
Thanks! Yeah, great tips. Until one is in the swing of this, post-initial-learning-curve, it will be sooo exhausting to deal with all the hiccups. I appreciate these 'heads-ups,' in small doses. P.S. Sorry to hear you still get some judgmental comments from people. Just FYI: I think you are one of the most highly functioning, capable, sharp, witty, articulate, brave-- and obviously creative-- people out there! So, I've never doubted your ability to create these new income streams, and keep all these balls in the air. I've been watching you since your first interview with Bob Wells, and I agree he was right in suggesting that you have something valuable to offer in content creation, with useful info and examples, for other wannabe nomads-- and really to anyone interested in reshaping their lives to move toward more contentment. I hope all the praise and appreciation you receive is a complete antidote to any negativity you hear! Blessings to you, today! P.P.S. Oh, hey, that reminds me: I hope you'll do more interviews with other nomads on how THEY are creating income on the road. These stories do help plant more seeds of ideas. 👍
Before I got on the road, a friend said just remember, "By nature, an adventure is a bit of a bother." I printed that out and posted it on the wall in my RV. Whenever I face a challenge, and find myself getting bent out of shape, I look to that little note and just chill and deal with whatever. It has helped put everything into perspective.
While sailing we were suddenly surroundec by hundreds of dolphins. They were swimming right up to the boat and could reach down and touch them. It was beautiful. When we tell people, they say "Did you get pictures?". If I had, I would have missed the beauty.
Warning: This turned to be a long post, but I really wanted to share with & encourage people. Nomadic living has been an interest of mine for most of my life - even in childhood; and now it's something I REALLY want to do. I can't start as yet, because I'm trying to get disability; and in the meantime, the money I get from the state allows me to pay my bills & have a little extra to improve my daily life. I used to do construction & my son is a welder, so I plan on building my moving home. I want to be as self-sufficient as possible in terms of power, getting rid of my waste, catching my own water, etc. I'm going to try out different home layouts in my decently large living room - Woo hoo! - so I'll be as ready as I can when the time comes. I wanted to talk about a couple of things you mentioned: 1. Thankfully, I've already experienced & overcome the stress or uncomfortable feeling you talked about having for the first two years. For about 10 years - because I couldn't work - I had to live in my large Ford van that I hastily converted. Then, about 3 years ago, I got a housing voucher & moved into my current apartment. Living in my van was nice in a way - I am an introvert - but it was also hard as I suffered from general anxiety & not believing in myself, so I often didn't know if I would actually make it. I also dealt with the anxiety of being a solo woman living in my van. I learned a lot about myself during that time & triumphed over some of my fears. The biggest thing I learned was that I'm actually a really strong person who never gives up, no matter the circumstance (by being stubborn (ha ha), & keeping a positive attitude - see last paragraph). 2. Whenever I watch videos of people living full-time on the road, I used to yearn to do the same. I longed for the freedom to live my life on my terms & having no responsibilities except to me & my moving home - until I realized that I would be taking myself along, and all of my problems with me. Lol. So, while I'm waiting for my money to come, I've been working on my inhibitive problems. The following helps me every time when I'm in a tough situation where I feel completely overwhelmed: my initial thought is: "This is it. This is the one that does me in.". After the initial shock wears off & I've calmed down, I ask myself: "What's the worst that can happen? Am I going to die because of this? No. It may be overwhelming or stressful, but in a week or month from now, I'll still be alive. So how do I want to feel during this week/month until I've got this problem taken care of? Do I want to spend my time being stressed out & really unhappy? Or do I take it one day/one hour/five minutes at a time & really focus on making my life meaningful?". Obviously, I'd rather be happy, so I look for things I appreciate: a beautiful day, a cute animal, children's laughter, parents who are patient & loving with their kids, happy people - and, last but not least - appreciating the things I DO have in my life. Thank you for your inspiring & educational videos.
Had my first big rookie move. I wasn’t told (and it’s no where in the online owners manual) that there is a second black tank valve! I panicked when my black water tank was full but would not empty. It had to be blocked for sure. I drove 40 miles to the nearest camping world store (they were no help at all!) Luckily I met a stranger in the store who fixes rvs. He came out to my rig and figured it out. Just set up your sewer hose, pull that valve, now go around and pull the black valve on the passenger side. Then when it’s done, pull the grey water valve. He had so much other good practical advice I could have hugged him!
Thank you Robin for the informative and entertaining videos. I always look forward to watching them. If it makes you feel better, it’s been rainy and miserable a lot here in the Central Valley of California. It’s a beautiful today so I am planting and absorbing a little vitamin D. Safe travels!
oh my gosh. It's raining on me now! I've been in rain/snow every day for almost two weeks. I literally had a one hour window yesterday where it was partly cloudy and exposed as much skin as I dared to try to get some D. Safe travels!
I started about a year ago thinking I was "traveling" to and from my home. Just this week I realized I rarely go "home" and I am actually living in my RV more than I live at home. And am actually more comfortable on the road than at home!
I agree. I always want photos from my "vacations" but learned early on that if I pay attention and truly enjoy where I am rather than lining up a good shot, I have better memories and experiences. I've been wanting to retire and full time RV. I just retired. I think I may really want to be a snow bird instead.
I am so grateful that you chose this line of work! You are awesome! I love what you share, it is obvious that you really think about it and keep everything moving, EVERY TIME I LEARN SO MUCH!...thanks Robin!
Definitely! You've got to live your life! I enjoy following several youtubers, and I am just grateful for what they do share. Most of them are different and I wouldn't want them to do anything to take away from their enjoyment of the nomadic life. I wish you all the best Robin and especially the pleasure of living where you do!
Great job, Robin! The biggest misconception we hear is about how great it must be to be on vacation all the time. 😂 That goes hand in hand with the concept of "camping". You know, campfires, s'mores, drinking--I'd love to go camping but I'm too busy working!
Always words of humor, insight and great ideas from this fabulous lady! As a rookie I thought I’d be doing the RV life full time with no break but life/family/health circumstances threw a curveball after almost 3 years. Taking a break and taking care of some important people and things and learning the RV life will still be there. And that is ok. People first! Thank you for bringing joy and balance through your videos. You are so appreciated!
I'm preparing to begin fulltime rv living in the summer of 2020. Your videos and the wonderful comments by fellow full timers are a tremendous help for me in my preparation. Thanks!
Even though when my daughter and I did a 30 day across the country we committed to always park in the “go” position. We didn’t one time and regretted it immediately.
@@hillbrown9672 I think they mean they position their rig so they can just up and go and not have to turn around etc. Just in case some partying yahoos show up or weather happens that might make the road hard to manange. I've heard before that when you find a spot you should do that. Get your rig pointed towards your exit.
Thought about skirting a real disaster. We bought a 4 pack of Coleman LP bottles in one of our early RV ventures. Put one immediately to use. Kept the other 3 inside the rig on the floor. Driving rig along bumpy road and noticed one of the slides was tipped out. Wife went in to check and several minutes later I did too. Two of the full bottles were wedged under the slide! YIkES! We got them out and one bottle was dented! Now we store them in the basement of the 5er.
Such a great video...you are kind, strong, real, helpful, fun, professional...and yes..a LOT you share is applicable to a one weekend trip, to full timing, to just plain old living.
I am sure I will have less "rookie" moves just because I subscribe to your channel! Thank you Robin. Getting so close to moving in to RV full-time. Have the truck, and the property to park, just need to jump and make the travel trailer purchase. I plan to live in the RV while staying put and working FT while paying off debt. Which will happen SOOOO much faster when I am not paying RENT or as I like to refer to it as "someone else's retirement" (my landlord).
Hey Robin! Thanks for passing on all your knowledge and experience. I love to hear how much you're enjoying yourself! I guess when I finally get around to RVing I better pack a BIG first aid kit seeing as I'm such a klutz, lol. Have a great week!
Hi Robin, First of all Great video. Then don't worry about what people think or feel about your lifestyle. It is your life, you know why you chose it and if someone has a problem with it ,well --- Anyway. Our biggest rookie thoughts when we were on the road was thinking we had to stay in a campground every night, The best thing we ever found out was there are so many cheaper and free places to sty. All your rookie moves were experienced once or twice by us and we finally figured them out. Wish we were still on the road, maybe again someday . Til next time take care, stay safe and BE FREE Love ya Robin, you have friends you don't even know out here.
My rookie move was to listen to a campground host who told me that the clearance of the tree branches were 14 foot, actually the clearance was 12 foot and we totaled our fifth wheel. It is a good thing we had great insurance which paid us in full for a new 5th wheel and truck repairs. I now check for myself so I know our 5th wheel will navigate safely without damage!
Oh NOOOOOOOO! That sucks. Glad your insurance paid but what a hassle. I can only imagine the noise that made and how you must have felt. Did you get a new one?
Oh no! I’ve been trying to come up with something I can attach to my antenna (without looking too red-neckie, lol) that is exactly the height of my van, so if it clears, I know my van will clear. No great ideas yet 🤔
judi stevenson go with the flag or a ball...remember those Union 76 balls? One year (1977) a group of us traveled to see the Bay City Rollers & I tied a tartan ribbon to the top of the aerial...when we got back Mom said to leave it because she could find the car in parking lots now. Painting 4” of the top of the aerial could work also. Don’t be afraid of doing what is right for you, there isn’t a car fashion police handing out tickets. Have fun, life on earth is short.
judi stevenson do like the pilot cars for over wide or over height semi’s do. They have a long pole with a flag they can attache to their front bumper of that height and will know if the semi can pass safely under an overpass etc.
I live in 200 ft.². Tiny living allows for all kinds of crazy things to happen! And you’re right when something falls such as rice it’s everywhere. Very hard to find at all. Enjoy your videos so much. Thank you
Robin, I'm so happy you are enjoying your life and don't feel like you have to take pictures of everything you do. You provide a unique perspective on the lifestyle, and answer many of the questions not covered by others. Thank you!
it was a pleasure to see you again at RTR, 2019, Robin. You've been most generous in sharing your expertise with us. It's most useful and helpful for a beginner like me who's totally green but is ready to make the nomad lifestyle a reality soon. Thanks ever so much for your awesome insider tips, advice and general kindness.
In my purging, I found cassette tapes that I made in the 80s of my nieces and nephews. Mistake: I failed to record my own son because there was plenty of time for that. He's 43 now. I'm just sick that I didn't take ONE moment to record life. A little documentation here and there will be treasures, later. You have it with your channel. What a great memory for you and a treasure, now, for us. Thanks.
Love your videos and commentary. I have been residing in a horse trailer for almost two years both traveling and somewhat stationary. People say from ‘how do you do it’ to ‘I SO want to do that.’ To those doubters I say ‘I get up, feed the critters and plan something interesting every day.’ To the wannabes I say ‘life is not a dress rehearsal. If you want to do this make it happen.’ My lifestyle has inspired a lot of folks. Nomadding is a simple way of life but not always easy. Pick your battles. I’m FREE!
#4 Is so true for me! After years of planning and then 2 weeks into fulltime I had a major melt down. It’s almost a year and I’m in a better place but I know I still have a way to go. Learning the new normal isn’t easy. I’m retired and finding that new purpose instead of having a job is a big challenge. I have to stop and smell the roses and don’t feel I need to prove anything to anyone. All of what you said is true and communication with each other helps others to realize we all have struggles because that’s life, on the road or not. Thanks
This is the best, most realistic rookie van living video I’ve ever seen. Thanks! I especially appreciated the comment about getting hurt so much. No one ever mentions that reality. That will be me. 🤪
As of now, I’m Full time one month. Day one: my shower tap was on when i hooked up, And my tub was full of all my shoes that I couldn’t bear to part with. Needless to say I parted with them once they were ruined. The funny thing is I don’t miss any of them! Third week: moving too fast, picked up my heavy scissor jack and hurt my back pretty bad. Thankfully i carry ice packs & theres a hot tub in the RV resort :-) You really said it about getting hurt! I have bruises in places I’ve never had before in my life.
Rookie move this weekend: Didn't start the boondocking trip with enough battery charge to keep the furnace fan going all night. Woke to the CO alarm going off!
Oh yes! Lots of Rookie moves as an RVer. Thanks for sharing yours too. One that comes to mind is that I use small and medium glass jars (I really don't like to use plastic unless I have to) to store food or household items (screws, small trinkets, etc). One of my favorite jars to use is those really small jars from horse radish or hot Chinese mustard. Mmmm! When I secure them in a drawer or pantry, I always have to remember separate them with a non-glass item in between. Another tip, I have also found using plastic organizer containers that help contain items in pantry while traveling and make it easier to just pull out when looking for certain items as well. Anyhoo, happy and safe travels. God bless!
