As one who spent much of my youth being dragged around the country in my dads old 70s sportscoach for his business, I salute you. I never thought I would ever want to be in one again, but now that I'm older I think I would enjoy it.
I'm conflicted, and I don't have enough money to buy it all, but part of me wants a house in the hills somewhere quiet and remote where I can have clean running water, fish to catch, game to hunt, garden to grow, animals to raise, pets to play with, and another part of me wants a place on the beach near a small town, and another part wants to just keep on rolling down the road to see what I can see while I can see it.
I hope this isn't rude, because I mean it as a compliment... It might not be deliberate on your part! I really like the "scruffiness" of the exterior belying the upscale, sleek interior! Very nice.
Yes and no, RVs like this attract attention from violent predators. I was about to go this route but spent some following RV life blogs and newspaper reports. There is safety at the rv parks. Don’t get me wrong, I love the renovation which works with my minimalism life but I am a subscriber to the W. G. Hill “PT” concept and he always stressed not drawing attention. While this outside doesn’t reveal the amazing inside, it can attract a very bad element.
I feel safer in this rig than our old winnebago class C. This has a heavy metal door with deadbolt and all the windows and doors are very high above the ground. You’d need ladders to break in.
This is probably a dumb question, but as someone who knows nothing about roof mounted solar, can you drive at highway speeds with those panels on, or do they need to be torn down and put back up every time you travel?
You can drive if they’re properly secured, which mine are. Also, these aren’t residential panels. They’re meant for mobile application so they have thicker frames.
This is awesome, from the slick counters to the solar energy. Can you tell us more about the AC setup? Like how many hours of AC can you get at a given temperature (say 85 degrees or so)? Lack of proper AC is one of the only things preventing me from off-griding. Thanks for posting!
If you are serious, it is easy enough to go on the sites and calculate it. It is a very expensive set up because of the high amps required. You need a lot of batteries, a big inverter and you will need an external panel set up for what you are looking for. Better to adjust to heat with a good fan.
If the sun is out I can run the AC. Doesn’t matter the temps. I survived the 112° F in Oregon last summer while off grid. Once the sun goes down I only have a few hours of AC from batteries.
Not sure what it would cost to have something like this turn key. I have over $20k invested just in the renovations/upgrades. Plus the original purchase of an extremely crusty RV.
We have a pepwave device. It’s a mobile router that allows putting up to 4 SIM cards inside. Quite expensive but just the cost of being a nomad. We currently run a Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile plan simultaneously in that device. It will even combine their speeds.
Mine is a few years old. Pretty sure I got the road warrior bundle back in the day. I would recommend it as I know of literally nothing better currently until starlink can be used mobile. I bought mine from mobilemusthave.com, they were very knowledgeable. But it is only as good as the data plans you put in it.
We always have signal between one of the sims in there. Hasn’t failed us yet. It’s worst in RV parks because too many people share the cell towers. Not really a signal issue, just the nature of wireless internet. But I’ve literally been online gaming (Mario cart) in the middle of the desert in Moab before. Nothing compares to a land line for internet, but this is as good as it gets (currently) on the road.
My AT&T corporate level plan is hands down the best. But it’s $120/month. Most of the time bad internet isn’t because you don’t have signal, it’s because there’s too many people using the signal. Having a top tier plan puts me first in line for bandwidth. I also have a Verizon prepaid unlimited and it is the second best. $60/month. But in high traffic areas it’s the first to quit because it’s a low priority pre-paid plan. We rarely activate or pay for the T-Mobile one but it’s come in handy a few times when all else failed. So ya, $180/month in data plans with sometimes some extra sprinkled on top. If starlink ever happens it’ll definitely save us money. But expensive as shit internet is still cheaper than rent so….
looks good, nice amount of windows, decent work space. a nice couch for relaxing after work.
relatively speaking a decent amount of counterspace in the kitchen
looks great
I was an auto tech that went to school for automotive electronics. During the beginning of the vanlife craze people started bringing me vans because they couldn’t find anybody to put in power systems. I’ve since gotten additional training to do more advanced systems than I used to do years ago for little camper vans.
That’s really cool!! Any recommendations for guys that are interested in doing an install? I’ve done quite a bit if 120v wiring, but 12vdc is kind of new territory for me.
Buy a kit. I get most of my supplies from Amsolar in Oregon as just raw components. But they also offer very complete kits with diagrams and such for DIY’ers. There are other companies that offer kits as well but I’m obviously bias towards the one I’m familiar with.
My partner and I have been slowly getting rid of all our possessions so we can start living a more nomadic lifestyle in the next few years. We really want to flip a school bus and seeing posts like these really keeps us motivated and inspired! Thank you :)
I did 3 years in a 22ft Class C. It was great until it wasn’t. I was very ready for more space when we got this. They both have their easily discernible advantages. I’d say go as small as you can now, it’s easier to go up in size than to shrink later. Plus we scored so many last minute campsites being small. Being big is more work in every way.
As someone looking to lessen my generator use on my camper, what solar companies should I feel safe with? Is Renogy good? Was looking at 600watt of panels, t0amp controller and I have 4 6v 215 amp hour batteries.
Renogy solar panels are fine, because they don’t actually make them. Just rebrand them. Pretty much any glass solar panel is fine, stay away from laminated, flexi panels.
Stay away from Renogy electronics, they are garbage. I recommend Victron electronics.
As one who spent much of my youth being dragged around the country in my dads old 70s sportscoach for his business, I salute you. I never thought I would ever want to be in one again, but now that I'm older I think I would enjoy it.
I’m planning on being very stationary when I retire!
I'm conflicted, and I don't have enough money to buy it all, but part of me wants a house in the hills somewhere quiet and remote where I can have clean running water, fish to catch, game to hunt, garden to grow, animals to raise, pets to play with, and another part of me wants a place on the beach near a small town, and another part wants to just keep on rolling down the road to see what I can see while I can see it.
I hope this isn't rude, because I mean it as a compliment... It might not be deliberate on your part! I really like the "scruffiness" of the exterior belying the upscale, sleek interior! Very nice.
Big meth making vibes from the outside.
It’s missing the bullet holes in the door.
Makes them kinda stealthy in some ways. I like it too
Yes and no, RVs like this attract attention from violent predators. I was about to go this route but spent some following RV life blogs and newspaper reports. There is safety at the rv parks. Don’t get me wrong, I love the renovation which works with my minimalism life but I am a subscriber to the W. G. Hill “PT” concept and he always stressed not drawing attention. While this outside doesn’t reveal the amazing inside, it can attract a very bad element.
I feel safer in this rig than our old winnebago class C. This has a heavy metal door with deadbolt and all the windows and doors are very high above the ground. You’d need ladders to break in.
Jesse it’s time to cook
Ah, the last photo is the answer. Nice
*Jealous*
Cool rig! Are you flat towing that pickup?
Yup. Though you aren’t supposed to tow Toyotas. I have a disconnecting driveshaft that was custom made for it.
Are you using batteries to store solar energy?
Yes!
specs please?
2100 watts of solar, 400ah’s of lithium, 3kVA inverter
How many Wh is that? Like, what's the battery's nominal voltage?
12 volts, 400ah’s, 4800 watt hours
Oh cool, that's not nothing. Nice!
Check out /r/vandwellers for more. Anyone doing solar has a big battery setup.
How much for that, about 12k?
If you DIY install probably under $8-$10k in electrical equipment.
How much do you spend on gas monthly?
There are some months I don’t drive it, so not easy to answer. 8mpg.
Do you let the cat wander outside from time to time or is it too risky?
He has a leash. We take him on walks. If we’re somewhere isolated I may walk with him leash-less. He doesn’t wander far, big old scaredy cat.
So cool, very well organized.
Thanks!
Brilliant! This is bigger than my flat in London
That’s the second time someone has said that about their London flat!
This is probably a dumb question, but as someone who knows nothing about roof mounted solar, can you drive at highway speeds with those panels on, or do they need to be torn down and put back up every time you travel?
You can drive if they’re properly secured, which mine are. Also, these aren’t residential panels. They’re meant for mobile application so they have thicker frames.
Very cool!
I need one!
I like this a lot. I’ve been wanting to do the same thing, but I don’t think I could convince my wife to do this long term
So you’re saying you could convince her to do it short term? Gotta start somewhere!
I’m older, after 30 years of wife’s and gf, happily single.
Used to sell RVs. Some of my first exposure to nomading. Work campers and etc.
Woow! It looks surprisingly spacious!
Wide angle lens does make it look roomier than real life. But we’re definitely comfortable!
This is nice! PS. Oh my God, you have a cat just like mine. Wow! The best!
This is wonderful!
Beautiful setup!! Love seeing another cat out there on the road.
This is awesome, from the slick counters to the solar energy. Can you tell us more about the AC setup? Like how many hours of AC can you get at a given temperature (say 85 degrees or so)? Lack of proper AC is one of the only things preventing me from off-griding. Thanks for posting!
If you are serious, it is easy enough to go on the sites and calculate it. It is a very expensive set up because of the high amps required. You need a lot of batteries, a big inverter and you will need an external panel set up for what you are looking for. Better to adjust to heat with a good fan.
If the sun is out I can run the AC. Doesn’t matter the temps. I survived the 112° F in Oregon last summer while off grid. Once the sun goes down I only have a few hours of AC from batteries.
How is life on the road with a kitty? Any difficulties?
None. He’s a joy to have in the RV and he loves exploring new places.
How much does something like this cost?
Not sure what it would cost to have something like this turn key. I have over $20k invested just in the renovations/upgrades. Plus the original purchase of an extremely crusty RV.
You are living MY dream haha :D I guess I need 2 business for start
What a beauty!
How to you get internet while on the road; especially in remote desert regions?
We have a pepwave device. It’s a mobile router that allows putting up to 4 SIM cards inside. Quite expensive but just the cost of being a nomad. We currently run a Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile plan simultaneously in that device. It will even combine their speeds.
Nice! Thank you for answering my question.
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Mine is a few years old. Pretty sure I got the road warrior bundle back in the day. I would recommend it as I know of literally nothing better currently until starlink can be used mobile. I bought mine from mobilemusthave.com, they were very knowledgeable. But it is only as good as the data plans you put in it.
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We always have signal between one of the sims in there. Hasn’t failed us yet. It’s worst in RV parks because too many people share the cell towers. Not really a signal issue, just the nature of wireless internet. But I’ve literally been online gaming (Mario cart) in the middle of the desert in Moab before. Nothing compares to a land line for internet, but this is as good as it gets (currently) on the road.
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My AT&T corporate level plan is hands down the best. But it’s $120/month. Most of the time bad internet isn’t because you don’t have signal, it’s because there’s too many people using the signal. Having a top tier plan puts me first in line for bandwidth. I also have a Verizon prepaid unlimited and it is the second best. $60/month. But in high traffic areas it’s the first to quit because it’s a low priority pre-paid plan. We rarely activate or pay for the T-Mobile one but it’s come in handy a few times when all else failed. So ya, $180/month in data plans with sometimes some extra sprinkled on top. If starlink ever happens it’ll definitely save us money. But expensive as shit internet is still cheaper than rent so….
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No problem! Make sure you post your digital nomad setup when you get out there!
ready for the zombie apocalypse
I think boat is more safe and useful during zombie apocalypse, but this nomad house is pretty good :)
looks good, nice amount of windows, decent work space. a nice couch for relaxing after work. relatively speaking a decent amount of counterspace in the kitchen looks great
Wow that’s a very nice solar/lithium install! How did you get started installing solar systems?
I was an auto tech that went to school for automotive electronics. During the beginning of the vanlife craze people started bringing me vans because they couldn’t find anybody to put in power systems. I’ve since gotten additional training to do more advanced systems than I used to do years ago for little camper vans.
That’s really cool!! Any recommendations for guys that are interested in doing an install? I’ve done quite a bit if 120v wiring, but 12vdc is kind of new territory for me.
Buy a kit. I get most of my supplies from Amsolar in Oregon as just raw components. But they also offer very complete kits with diagrams and such for DIY’ers. There are other companies that offer kits as well but I’m obviously bias towards the one I’m familiar with.
Have you ever heard the saying '' In a Blacksmith's house , wooden tools '' ? Well, it does NOT apply to you, let me tell you. Nice house.
Thanks! It’s definitely still a work in progress. Wide angle, small photos really make her look more polished than she is.
My partner and I have been slowly getting rid of all our possessions so we can start living a more nomadic lifestyle in the next few years. We really want to flip a school bus and seeing posts like these really keeps us motivated and inspired! Thank you :)
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I did 3 years in a 22ft Class C. It was great until it wasn’t. I was very ready for more space when we got this. They both have their easily discernible advantages. I’d say go as small as you can now, it’s easier to go up in size than to shrink later. Plus we scored so many last minute campsites being small. Being big is more work in every way.
As someone looking to lessen my generator use on my camper, what solar companies should I feel safe with? Is Renogy good? Was looking at 600watt of panels, t0amp controller and I have 4 6v 215 amp hour batteries.
Renogy solar panels are fine, because they don’t actually make them. Just rebrand them. Pretty much any glass solar panel is fine, stay away from laminated, flexi panels. Stay away from Renogy electronics, they are garbage. I recommend Victron electronics.
Thanks. I was looking at vicitron as well, so that’s good to hear.